Focus on one area where you are experiencing the urge. Notice the exact sensations in that area. For example, do you feel hot, cold, tingly, or numb? Are your muscles tense or relaxed? How large an area is involved?
RELATED ARTICLE: AA Advice: Managing alcohol cravings
Notice the sensations and describe them to yourself. Notice the changes that occur in the sensation. “My mouth feels dry and parched. There is tension in my lips and tongue. I keep swallowing. As I exhale, I can imagine the smell and tingle of booze.”
Repeat the focusing with each part of your body that experiences the craving.
READ THIS: AA Advice: Drinking problems and denial
Describe to yourself the changes that occur in the sensations. Notice how the urge comes and goes. Many people, when they urge surf, notice that after a few minutes the craving has vanished. The purpose of this exercise, however, is not to make the craving go away but to experience the craving in a new way.
ALSO READ: AA advice: Overcoming alcohol addiction
If you practice urge surfing, you will become familiar with your cravings and learn how to ride them out until they go away naturally.
Just for today
I will pack my bags and move out of my past and into a present filled with hope.
Uma unenkinga yophuzo oludakyo siza thintana nalezi nobolo ezingezanzi.
The AA Estcourt branch hosts meetings every Tuesday at Forderville Primary School from 7pm to 8pm. Contact Desigan on 082 849 3014, Roy on 081 874 8016 or Tony on 079 513 4422.
The AA Winterton branch hosts meetings every Thursday at the Springfield Church opposite the police station from 7pm to 8pm. Contact Dolly on 071 688 5330 or Virgilo on 079 688 0432.
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